Carl Jones, chancellor of Arkansas Tech University's Ozark campus, announced Wednesday his plans to retire from that position in June.

During a meeting of all faculty and staff, Jones announced his plans to retire at the end of the academic year. After stepping down as chancellor in June, Jones will be on sabbatical until June 2007 to help facilitate the transition to a new administration.

"I may have fulfilled my professional obligation to the institution," Jones said. "However, I will always be an ambassador and advocate for this campus."

Jones has served in the chief administrative position at Ozark for 20 years. The institution, which is in its 40th year of existence, became a technical institute in 1991 and became a part of Arkansas Tech University in 2003.

During Jones' tenure, the Ozark campus has seen many improvements, including the addition of the Collegiate Center and Health Education Building; the creation of the paramedic program; a growth in enrollment, particularly in the business technology, electronics and nursing programs; and improvements to grounds, sidewalks and parking.

Since its merger with Arkansas Tech, the Ozark institution has increased in its academic offerings as well. Jones has overseen the addition of three associate of applied science degree programs to the curriculum at ATU-Ozark.

The degree programs were officially approved by the university's board of trustees in early 2005 and include allied health, business technology and general technology.

Dr. Robert C. Brown, Arkansas Tech president, led the faculty and staff in a standing ovation of gratitude for Jones following the chancellor's announcement.

"It is astounding to realize that in its 40-year life, Mr. Jones has been leading this institution for half of that time," Brown said.

In making his announcement, Jones cited his confidence in the faculty and staff and the Tech administration's commitment to technical education as reasons he felt good about his decision.

Jones is a 10-year veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in Japan, Canada and other locations during the early Vietnam era.

He worked as a contract field engineer for the Air Force for five years, and, during the 1970s was an electronics instructor at the Arkansas Valley Vo-Tech School.

In 1981, he became the Academic Officer at Pulaski Vo-Tech School, which is now Pulaski Technical College.

Brown said he will appoint a search committee with representation from both campuses that will initiate the formal process of seeking a new chancellor.

"Even as we celebrate Mr. Jones' many accomplishments, we have an obligation to find the right person to fill this important position," Brown said.